The History and Planting of Taiwanese Specialty Coffee

Taiwan’s coffee story doesn’t begin with a café latte or a third-wave roastery—it starts in the late 1800s, when British traders saw potential in the island’s highlands. The question isn’t why Taiwan grows coffee today, but how a crop introduced under colonial rule survived wars, fires, and shifting agricultural priorities to become part of the island’s specialty coffee foundation.

In short: Taiwan’s first Arabica coffee plants were introduced in 1884 by British merchants from Manila, with just ten surviving the initial struggles. Later efforts in the 1900s saw thousands planted—only to face destruction by fire, war, and policy shifts. Yet these early plantings laid groundwork that still influences Taiwan’s coffee culture.

The First Coffee Plants in Taiwan (1884)

The story begins after the Opium Wars, when British firm Deji Yanghang arrived in Taiwan. Noticing the island’s climate resembled Southeast Asia and parts of Central and South America, they judged it suitable for coffee. In 1884 (the 10th year of the Guangxu Emperor), they imported over 100 Arabica coffee seedlings from Manila and planted them in what is now Hǎishān Township, Taipei County (now part of New Taipei City). But due to long transport times, poor packaging, and lax management, most died—only around ten seedlings survived.

Early Setbacks and Second Attempts

The following year, British tea merchants tried again, importing coffee seeds—but this effort also failed. Undeterred, they imported more seeds later and successfully planted them in the Wenshan area. This time, the crop thrived, growing to over 3,000 plants. However, a major fire three years later destroyed nearly all of them, leaving only a few survivors.

The Japanese Era and Coffee Expansion (1941 Peak)

After the First Sino-Japanese War in the late 19th century, Japan took control of Taiwan and aggressively promoted high-value cash crops—including coffee. By 1941, Taiwan’s coffee production was booming, with excellent flavor and quality marking a golden age. But the Pacific War soon disrupted everything: coffee lost its market, farmers abandoned their crops, and many turned to growing rice instead. When Japan surrendered and withdrew, coffee cultivation faded without support.

Modern Coffee Planting Efforts

In the 20th century, coffee made several comebacks. Around 1931, Japan’s Kimura Company planted coffee in Chiayi and Ruisui, Hualien. Later, American military presence in the 1950s introduced instant coffee to Taiwan—initially just Nestlé. The first International Coffee Organization formed in 1962, and in 1963, Antong Farm began growing coffee. By the 1980s, coffee culture diversified: book-themed cafés appeared in central and southern Taiwan, alongside European-style garden cafés, Japanese-inspired coffee shops, and the rise of modern coffee chains.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was coffee first introduced to Taiwan?

Coffee was first introduced to Taiwan in 1884 by British merchants from Manila, who brought over 100 Arabica seedlings. Most died due to transport and management issues, leaving just around ten survivors.

Did coffee farming succeed in Taiwan during the 1800s?

Initial efforts in the 1880s failed, with most plants dying. A second attempt in the Wenshan region succeeded briefly, growing over 3,000 plants, but a fire destroyed nearly all of them within three years.

Why did Taiwan’s coffee industry decline after 1941?

Taiwan’s coffee production peaked in 1941 under Japanese rule, but World War II disrupted markets and labor. Farmers shifted to rice, and after Japan’s surrender, coffee was abandoned without support.

What happened to coffee in Taiwan during the 1950s and 1960s?

In the 1950s, instant coffee was introduced with American military presence. The 1960s saw the formation of the International Coffee Organization and the start of farming at Antong Farm, leading to renewed but scattered growth.

How did Taiwan’s coffee culture develop in the 1980s?

By the 1980s, Taiwan had diverse coffee spaces: book cafés, European-style garden cafés, Japanese-style shops, and the rise of modern coffee chains, reflecting broader cultural shifts.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Pour-Over

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